NeTia Bauman, CEcD, CEO & President of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation
NeTia Bauman joined the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation in July 2023 as the new CEO & President. In this role, she leads the organizations’ mission to provide inclusive and equitable economic development efforts throughout the greater St. Cloud region. She believes in fostering an innovative, collaborative, and growth mindset to carry the GSDC’s mission forward. NeTia is particularly skilled in business development and site selection and is passionate about entrepreneurship and downtown revitalization. She earned a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2022.
In prior years, NeTia served as the CEO for Greater Fergus Falls, Administrator for the Fergus Falls Downtown Riverfront Council, and held several positions during her time at the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) at North Dakota State University (NDSU). NeTia also serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Cloud Downtown Alliance and the Mayor’s Downtown Task Force.
Leslie Dingmann, CEcD, EDFP, Business Development Director of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation
Leslie Dingmann works as a Business Development Director with Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (GSDC). In this role, she facilitates business development by harnessing resources and providing tactical assistance to help start, attract, retain and expand strong businesses.
Leslie’s past experience includes six years working as the Economic Development Specialist for the City of Big Lake. In this role, she helped facilitate over $17 million in new business investment in the City through business retention and attraction.
She grew up in the St. Cloud area and earned her BA degree in Community Development from St. Cloud State University and her MA degree in Urban and Regional Studies and Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Leslie became a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council in 2021 and received her Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from the National Development Council in 2008. In 2019, she was one of the 10 selected from the greater St. Cloud region to participate in the Minnesota Young American Leaders Program focused on the Harvard Business School’s (HBS) research on American competitiveness, shared prosperity, and cross-sector collaborations.
Outside of her work at GSDC, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Economic Development Foundation, St. Cloud Opportunities, and the Rotary Club of St. Cloud.
Tour Sites + Economic Development Chair
Cathy Mehelich, Economic Development Director for the City of St. Cloud, MN
Cathy Mehelich was selected as St. Cloud’s Economic Development Director in 2011 with the City’s creation of its first Economic Development Authority. She has 28 years of providing economic development services for municipalities including City of Elk River, City of Olivia, Spicer and Downtown Virginia, MN.
Cathy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Local and Urban Affairs from St. Cloud State University and is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council, active member of International Economic Development Council, Economic Development Association of Minnesota, and Mid America Economic Development Council. In addition to leadership on the League of Minnesota Cities Development Finance Committee, she is an active locally as member of the St. Cloud Rotary Club and enjoys building community at Summertime by George events.
In her role with the City of St. Cloud, Cathy facilitates several business expansion, attraction, and redevelopment projects. Her passion is driven by a strong desire to help businesses grow and succeed by understanding their unique needs, effectively connecting resources, and efficiently facilitating the city development process.
Julie Lunning, President of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce
Julie Lunning has been the President since 2021, with over 20 years as the previous Executive Director for Visit Greater St. Cloud. Her impressive leadership skills in this role earned her the Outstanding Individual in Tourism award from the state of Minnesota in 2017.
Envisioning the chamber’s success, Julie draws from her vast experience in event management and business partnerships. As a steward of the government affairs program, she is a strategic leader, inspiring staff and volunteers alike. Her reputation as a leader in the St. Cloud area is well-earned, and she takes pride in retaining and engaging volunteers. Not only does she guide the chamber towards its goals, but in this role, she also oversees the Downtown Alliance and Business Central Magazine.
Beyond her chamber duties, Julie serves on the boards for the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, Career Solutions, Create CommUnity, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the City of St. Cloud Downtown Task Force.
Facilities + Event Logistics Chair
Nikki Gustafson, CFEM, CGMP, Director of Sales of Visit Greater St. Cloud
Nikki Gustafson has over 20 years experience in all facets of event planning, production and promotion. She graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations + Travel and Tourism. In her current role as the Director of Sales, Nikki’s focus is showcasing St. Cloud as a premier destination to host large scale conferences. She provides a comprehensive bid packet for St. Cloud plus participates in the execution of site selection and services. She is the community liaison with the planners and venues. Her knowledge of the area and her can-do attitude have attributed to the successful planning of several state, regional and national conferences.
Nikki has received 7 state-wide awards for her work, and was recognized at the national level as the 2022 Top Young Professional for the Society of Government Meeting Professionals. She serves on state level industry boards and is currently in her 3rd year as Chair for Minnesota Meetings & Events Day. Her certifications include Festival and Event Management from the University of Minnesota, Government Meeting Professional from the Society of Government Meeting Professionals, Pandemic Compliance Advisor for Meetings/Events from Health Education Services in addition to certifications in both of the Cvent Supplier Network and Event Diagramming courses. She was named Volunteer of the Quarter in 2023 by the Minnesota Meeting Professionals International Chapter as well as receiving the “Rising Star” and “Meeting/Event of the Year” awards at the chapter’s 2023 awards banquet this past May.
Conference Branding + Receptions Chair
Rachel Thompson, Executive Director of Visit Greater St. Cloud
Rachel Thompson is a local and state leader in the hospitality and tourism industry. Driven by her love and passion for the St. Cloud area, she takes pride in promoting the area as a must-see destination in the state of Minnesota. As the Executive Director of Visit Greater St. Cloud, her goal is to increase economic development in tourism by attracting leisure travelers, group tours, sporting events, and conferences to the St. Cloud Area while also advocating for the Tourism industry on a local and state level.
Rachel has a Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management Bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Stout with a certificate in Event and Meeting Management and an additional certificate in Festival and Event Management from University of Minnesota. Rachel was awarded Emerging Tourism Star in 2022 on a National level at the ETourism Summit, Emerging leader in Tourism in 2023 on a State level by Explore Minnesota Tourism, and at a local level in 2023 by St. Cloud LIVE as an Emerging Leader in the Under 40 recognition. Rachel is heavily involved in the industry as chair of Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau, active on many of their committees, appointed by Governor Walz to the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council, a member of Hospitality Minnesota, and past public policy chair of MACVB representing the tourism industry. Locally, Rachel was instrumental in running these events in Greater St. Cloud: Governor’s Fishing Opener, Hockey Day MN, and Minnesota Senior Games. Outside of industry involvement, Rachel is active in the community in many ways including on the Board of Directors for Zonta Club of St. Cloud.